zSpace Expands Virtual Reality Learning With 250 More Activities

zSpace, a provider of real-world virtual reality learning technology tailored for STEM classes, is growing its VR lesson plan library with more than 250 new lesson plans and activities in Science, Math, Technology and Art that align with the Common Core State Standards.

“Students from K-12 to medical school an amazing opportunity to manipulate virtual, 3D objects ranging from building circuitry to experimenting with gravity and learn concepts in STEM,” a press release by zSpace reads.

Using tools such as augmented glasses, goggles, VR simulators and Cave Automatic Virtual Environments (CAVE), students can immerse themselves in the VR learning experiences and actively learn.

zSpace’s VR software is used by more than 150,000 students in the US and overseas. In schools were zSpace’s virtual reality learning takes place, VR stations allow students to interact, explore and manipulate objects such as live, pumping hearts. While some students perform an inspection or an experiment with the 3D virtual object, other students discuss and report on the experiment.

The learning experience is interactive and multisensory. As the student is manipulating the 3D object, the object offers haptic feedback instantly, changing how it behaves, sounds, feels and looks, The Journal reports. For Bobby Blount, superintendent of the Cherokee County Schools, zSpace has a number of benefits. As he states in a zSpace press release:

“It encourages collaboration, teamwork, reinforces good communication, and at the same time students are learning science.”

Natalie Pate of the Statesman Journal reported on how teachers were welcomed to try out zSpace’s virtual reality. She mentions Robbie Wheeling, a high-school science teacher at the Livingstone Adventist Academy in Salem who highlights how he’d love to offer such technology to his students.

zSpace’s VR lessons carry a unique opportunity to learn about human anatomy, electric conductivity, gravity and many other concepts in STEM and Art. In addition to K-12, zSpace caters to the needs of health professionals too. Western University lets its medical, dental, other health science students learn about human anatomy with ‘digital cadavers,’ Erin Carson reports for Tech Republic.

Instead of dissecting real human corpses, Western University students have a chance to explore human anatomy through augmented reality at the J and K Virtual Reality Learning Center in Pomona, California. Apart from Anatomage, Oculus Rift, and other tools, students can dissect the human body, take out organs and receive feedback when they interact with 3D human organs through zSpace software.